Chandanwari-Panjtarni track yet to be repaired for Amarnath yatra

JAMMU: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has made security
arrangements along the routes for the protection of Amarnath pilgrims against any terror attacks by Kashmiri separatist militants. The pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave temple begins on July 2.

Senior officers of the J&K police, CRPF and the BSF and the Avalanche Rescue Team have been engaged in providing security arrangements for the journey. At the Sheshnag yatra camp, camp director Kishori Lal and additional camp director Devinder Singh Bandral have been given charge of ensuring cleanliness and effective sanitation services within the camp area. They will also coordinate various agencies involved in the management of the yatra. Regular daily meetings of all the authorities will be held to ensure
preparedness in meeting any eventualities.

However, the Pahalgam Development Authority is yet to complete the ongoing works on the Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Panjtarni track. Nine langars, 287 toilets, 33 baths, 13 shelter sheds, 800 tents and 50 shops are being set up at Sheshnag. Work is also in progress for making arrangements for stocking LPG
cylinders, rice, atta, sugar, wheat bran and kerosene at the camp.

Although water supply system and telephones are now functional at Sheshnag camp, power supply is yet to be made. A base hospital
and medical camp is being set up. The Health Department will set up emergency aid centres along Sheshnag-Wavbal Top, Wavbal Top, Kelnar and Dardkote, MG Top and Poshpathri. The BSF and CRPF and the army are also
organising the medical camps.

Mountain rescue teams each comprising 10 police personnel will be deployed at Sheshnag, Wavbal and Poshpathri to help the old, infirm and sick yatris in negotiating difficult stretches on the yatra routes. The NDRF teams will be deployed at Pissu Top and Sheshnag and SDRF teams will be deployed at Sheshnag, M.G. Top and Poshpathri. Dog squads of the army and the CRPF will also be deployed at these locations.